The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could look quite a bit different next season. Their two longest-tenured players are set for free agency, and there’s a possibility that neither will return.
The first player in question is 12-year pro Mike Evans. The Buccaneers got better production from rookie Emeka Egbuka, and they’ll still have Chris Godwin under contract for 2026.
The other longtime Buccaneers player who could be moving on is 14-year pro Lavonte David. Unlike Evans, who will likely find a better opportunity and possibly a bigger payday elsewhere, David told the Caps Off podcast that he’s undecided on retirement.
“I feel good. You know, I’m healthy. I’m happy. I’m undecided [on retiring]. I’m genuinely undecided, like I don’t know. I don’t know. I still got a lot of football left in me. I know that for sure. I still love the game. I know that for sure. The other side is I want to spend more time with my daughter. She’s in school, so [I’ve been] taking her to school and it’s a good feeling.”
He still played and started all 17 games in 2025, recording 114 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three pass deflections, an interception, and two forced fumbles. He’s recorded over 100 tackles in 12 of his 14 seasons in the NFL.
David recently turned 36. If the former All-Pro is ready to hang up the cleats, he’ll do so just 128 tackles behind Derrick Brooks from the all-time franchise lead. David is, however, the Buccaneers’ all-time leader in forced fumbles, with 33.
Those numbers won’t be good enough to get him enshrined in Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he’ll surely be joining the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor at the proper time. Until then, David has a decision to make on his future.
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